When it comes to the moon, most of the attention seems to focus on the full moon. But what about the New Moon? What are the most favorable activities for you during this moon phase, and what are a few simple ritual for anyone (regardless of their religious traditions) for tapping into the energy a new moon?

Let's start from the beginning... literally. When we refer to a new moon, we are talking about the first phase of the lunar cycle. At that moment, the moon and sun are at the same elliptical longitude, making it seemingly invisible to the naked eye for up to 3 days after its onset.

​But let’s get to the important stuff…. What does this mean for you?

You’ve probably heard of the lunar effect. It refers to the direct relationship between the moon’s phases during it’s 29.5 day cycle and its physical and psychological affects on humans, as well as other living beings.
​A new moon is an optimal time for setting goals and laying out plans for achieving them. It has to do with planting seeds for new beginnings and new growth.
​It’s also a favorable time for renewal and regeneration, (again, new beginnings). Looking to kick that bad habit or (re)kick off that healthy eating plan? Want to begin or resume that manuscript you’ve been putting off? Meaning to launch that home-based business? This is a favorable time to plant those seeds or taking that first step, creating the initial momentum for the long haul.

New Moon Rituals

Okay, before I share some of my personal rituals for a new moon, I want to remind you that the physical act alone of a ritual does not change your energetic climate. Rather, it’s your intentions and thoughts while praying or lighting a candle that help heighten your awareness and avail yourself to the positive energy available to you.
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​You can practice one or all of the following rituals…. or you can create your own. Again, it’s the thought (the intention) that counts!

Smudging

Smudging is the ritual of purifying a room with the smoke of sacred herbs (typically sage) to help rid the negative energy from a space or room. It seems even modern science acknowledges that the burning of sage releases negative ions correlating to an enhanced or more positive mood. All that said, I still believe that the most potent action in smudging is the setting and focusing of your intentions. Did I mention that it’s the thoughts and intentions that count?

Clearing Crystals & Healing Stones

A new moon is a great reminder for clearing crystals to help rid residual negative energy. As with smudging, I don’t want you to worry about the ceremonial details as much as your focus on the intentions behind the ritual itself.

It's important to know how to clean your crystals. Not all crystals are meant to be cleansed in (salt) water, for example. Generally speaking, those with more of a grit or chalky type of surface should not be cleansed and cleared in water. I'll provide a future post with more details. For now, I recommend inquiring about how to clean your crystals at the time you purchase them.

White Candle -- Open-Eyed Meditation

The color white represents clarification, purification, and new beginnings. White candles are also used in rituals involving prayer and devotion, thus, why you find them in churches and places of worship. In terms of both full moon and new moon rituals, my white candle ritual involves open-eyed meditation, allowing the flame to woo me into stillness.
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Within the stillness, I release any known and unknown blocks, clearing my mind of psychic debris to make space for receiving creative solution. And I remain still and LISTEN. For me, there is something about focusing on the dance of the flame of a white candle. Does the flame seem to split or flicker a certain way? Does its light cast a specific silhouette? Pay attention and journal your observations of those details… and enjoy the moment.

You may come up with your own New Moon rituals. What’s most important is that they have personal significance for you.

My goal is to pass along the intuitive knowledge that I’ve accumulated over the years for use as a tool for navigating life's chaos and crossroads with clarity and confidence.